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In this unique monograph based on years of extensive work, Chatterjee presents the historical evolution of statistical thought from the perspective of various approaches to statistical induction. Developments in statistical concepts and theories are discussed alongside philosophical ideas on the ways we learn from experience. ... Read more

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This book offers a detailed history of parametric statistical inference. Covering the period between James Bernoulli and R.A. Fisher, it examines: binomial statistical inference; statistical inference by inverse probability; the central limit theorem and linear minimum variance estimation by Laplace and Gauss; error theory, skew distributions, correlation, sampling distributions; and the Fisherian Revolution. Lively biographical sketches of many of the main characters are featured throughout, including Laplace, Gauss, Edgeworth, Fisher, and Karl Pearson. Also examined are the roles played by DeMoivre, James Bernoulli, and Lagrange.

Customer Reviews (1)

An entertaining survey
A few weeks ago I stumbled on a used copy of IHM at a local bookstore.The other day, looking for a quick read, I pulled it off my burgeoning shelf of to-be-read books.Though IHM covers some well-worn territory (it was, after all, published decades ago, and wealth of popular mathematics books have been published in the interim), in the space of a very slim volume, it does so in surprising depth.Throughout, Reid's exposition is clear and incisive.At times, Reid leaves important concepts un- or only partly explained.Occasionally, I had to track these down in other books.I don't regard this as a fault of IHM though.The purpose of a book like this is to introduce the curious reader to new ideas -- in this case some very sophisticated ideas drawn from the world of higher mathematics -- and encourage them to make further explorations.In this goal, Reid and IHM succeed admirably.Coming into IHM I was already hooked on mathematics.Having finished IHM I am all the more hooked.I look forward to reading Reid's other books one day.IHM is a terrific book for the amateur enthusiast. ... Read more

Product Description
The writings of Newton, Liebniz, Pascal, Riemann, Bernoulli, and others in a comprehensive selection of 125 treatises, articles from the Renaissance to end of the 19th century—most unavailable elsewhere. Grouped in five sections: Number; Algebra; Geometry; Probability; and Calculus, Functions, and Quaternions. Index. 83 illustrations.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great book
The footnotes contained in the book are very helpful. I bought this book some few years ago and stiff look upon the pages for referencing and clarification.

I have an Older 1959 version in two parts
Mathematics was never easy and looking at these classic
reproductions you really get a feel of the ignorance
of even the greatest men in mathematics.
Here you can see them struggle to invent new ideas
that made possible our scientific and technical culture.
I think this kind of book is invaluable to the student
who wishes to actually understand.
Some of the papers are almost impossibly difficult.
It is a very good book!

many original papers
For students of the history of maths, Smith provides you with a very convenient reference. He has gone back to many of the original papers by Newton, Pascal and others, and gathered 125 of these into this book. You can search for insight into how those luminaries made their important discoveries. As an added utility, the papers have been translated into English.

An amazing time saver. For he lets you access the papers without any intermediary. The alternative would be to spend months searching in some large research library. And also probably having to order copies made from other libraries. At non-trivial cost in time and money. ... Read more

Product Description
"General Mathematics: Revision and Practice" is a comprehensive resource for self-study or teacher-led courses to take GCSE and Standard Grade candidates right up to A* Grade, or Scottish Credit level. This edition now includes a new chapter on investigations, practical problems and puzzles, to give the student problem-solving skills and practice ready for coursework. Its key points include: a complete course in one volume; ease of accessibility to different maths topics; graded questions, revision exercises and past examination questions; ample quantity of material providing wide choice; mathematics drawn out from a wide range of realistic everyday situations; and numerical answers provided at the back. ... Read more

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Many of us trained mainly in the humanities and liberal arts may respect mathematics as an essential scientific discipline, but have done very little mathematics themselves and often feel intimidated by its rigors. If you ve ever wondered what mathematicians mean by the aesthetic elegance of their subject, here is your chance to experience firsthand mathematics intellectual pleasures.

Martin Gardner, in his review of Jerry King's The Art of Mathematics, praised King:

"Creative mathematicians seldom write for outsiders, but when they do, they usually do it well. Jerry King, a professor at Lehigh University, is no exception."

For his new book, Jerry P. King, has designed a grand tour of mathematics in ten essential lessons for the general reader who wants to know how mathematics is done. Almost no prior mathematical knowledge is assumed and through lively exposition and lucid explanations real mathematics is made not only palatable, but even enjoyable to the uninitiated.

Professor King begins by establishing two key points: first, all mathematics flows from a few fundamental principles. Second, aesthetic considerations provide both the motivation for mathematics research and the standards for evaluating that research. The book is structured so that the reader gradually builds up an ever-greater skill set as each lesson is mastered.

The essential concepts introduced include symbolic logic, infinity, rational numbers, number theory, real and imaginary numbers, function, probability, calculus, and the building of mathematical models in applied mathematics. Throughout his exposition, King provides brief historical digressions which highlight key developments made by the giants in the field of mathematics.

Eloquently written and clearly presented, Mathematics in 10 Lessons will inspire the reader to go on to learn more and will instill a true appreciation for mathematics as both an art and a science.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Basic principles of mathematics
As a mathematics professsor and author, I stress understanding basic principles, using them to solve problems, and reviewing them for examinations. High schools tend to present math as a collection of recipies that students need to master, which is not the correct spirit of mathematics. For this reason, I encourage reading the book. Disclaimer: I did not read the book, and so can only give it 3 stars. What is mathematics? A collection of arbitrary consistent statements. Your job as a student is to understand the ideas. Science is mathematics along with experimental and observational verification.

Glorious book
This is by far the best introductory book on mathematics, mathematical method
and mathematical thinking that I have ever read. This is a perfect book for autodidacts
who want to advance from non knowing math at all or knowing mathematical techniques to
truly understanding of the fundamentals of the mathematics and mathematics as a
purest form of thought and as a science.

Dr. King is an enthusiast and a math expert who skillfully and engagingly
introduces readers into the most fundamental and the most important principles
of math. Sections on number theory and origins of calculus are simply fantastic.

I sought this type of a book for the purpose of moving beyond mechanical math,
math for engineers and to get the understanding of the math fundamentals.
To start understanding math to the point where I do not need to memorize anything.

This book gave me exactly that type of understanding. Furthermore, this equipped me
with skills so that I can further delve into a math theory.

I recommend this book to all who want to learn mathematics.

I recommend this book to all who feel scared of math or who "hate" math but who want
to learn this science of sciences.

I recommend this book to all who secretly envy mathematicians for their esoteric knowledge.

I recommend this book to all engineers who are familiar with "mechanical" mathematics
- solving problems and applying formulas, but who want to learn foundations behind
the formula and to appreciate the beauty and the power of the mathematics.

A lively format and explanations make for a readable survey of basic math principles and aesthetics
Mathematics in 10 Lessons: The Grand Tour deserves ongoing recommendation as a powerful guide to math for any outside the usual field. Its ten lessons are intended for the general reader who wants to know how math is done, but has little prior math knowledge. A lively format and explanations make for a readable survey of basic math principles and aesthetics perfect for those who would appreciate an easy, lively overview. Any general lending library will want this.

The necessity to understand mathematics is simple
"Mathematics in 10 Lessons" is on the ROROTOKO list of cutting-edge intellectual nonfiction. Professor King's book interview ran here as cover feature on June 3, 2009.

10 Easy Lessons make the grade
This is a good introduction book. It can be used for quick survey of topics. I used it as a refresh for topics I had some years back but forgot. There are enough worked proofs to satisfy me and a minimum of "proof left as an exercise". For that, I suggest the author create space on his errata website and post all the proofs left as an exercise.
I am an auto didactic and would benefit if the publisher made teacher's guides available on web to avoid printing costs.
Chapter 7 on probability could use additional material on distributions such as Gamma, Exponential, Poisson, and Weibull. Statistics section could use additional material on why Mean, Variance, Skewness, Kurtosis are called 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc Moments and simple proofs.
Calculus should keep what's there but could use additional material such as delta-epsilon graph showing the relation during Limits. Why stop with the derivative Power law? Include some other standard ones with proofs and explanations. A discussion, before differential equations, on related rates would be nice...with all the proof and example trimmings.
All-in-all a wonderful, remarkable book for the material. ... Read more

Product Description
A graduate level text on a subject which brings together several areas of mathematics and physics: partial differential equations, differential geometry and general relativity. It explains the basics of the theory of partial differential equations in a form accessible to physicists and the basics of general relativity in a form accessible to mathematicians. In recent years the theory of partial differential equations has come to play an ever more important role in research on general relativity. This is partly due to the growth of the field of numerical relativity, stimulated in turn by work on gravitational wave detection, but also due to an increased interest in general relativity among pure mathematicians working in the areas of partial differential equations and Riemannian geometry, who have realized the exceptional richness of the interactions between geometry and analysis which arise. This book provides the background for those wishing to learn about these topics. It treats key themes in general relativity including matter models and symmetry classes and gives an introduction to relevant aspects of the most important classes of partial differential equations, including ordinary differential equations, and material on functional analysis. These elements are brought together to discuss a variety of important examples in the field of mathematical relativity, including asymptotically flat spacetimes, which are used to describe isolated systems, and spatially compact spacetimes, which are of importance in cosmology. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Puzzle book
This is an interesting little book for anyone who wants to bend their brain up for a little diversion or just for fun. This book is based on a test that was given to high school students to award the best a chance at a scholarship to college. This is the complete battery of problems that was given (I think minus one or two years that could not be found) to high school students in several schools. Although the problems are "high school level", it is immediately obvious that the level of problems given during this testing was a little more advanced from what is today perceived as high school mathematics.

Very enjoyable book for stretching your mind. ... Read more

Product Description
The second book of a three-part series, An Introduction to Algebraic, Graphical, and Numerical Problem Solving, Fourth Edition, illustrates how mathematics arises naturally from everyday situations through updated and revised real-life activities and the accompanying practice exercises. Along with the activities and the exercises within the text, MathXL(R) and MyMathLab(R) have been enhanced to create a better overall learning experience for the reader. Technology integrated throughout the text helps readers interpret real-life data algebraically, numerically, symbolically, and graphically. The active style of this book develops readers' mathematical literacy and builds a solid foundation for future study in mathematics and other disciplines. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

poor
Very poor book. Aren't books actually supposed to TEACH things, rather than just give problems and answers??

Thank you.
The book was satisfactory. All the pages were there and was not too badly damaged. I really appreciate the book, though. It came in on the last expected day, but I'm glad I got it. Thank you.

Mathematics In Action
The book was not exactally what I wanted Amazon mixed the information and I got a earlier version of the text book I wanted. What I got was OK, My instruckter said I could still use it. But be careful what you order because Amazon will mix it up. ... Read more

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General Relativity has passed all experimental and observational tests to model the motion of isolated bodies with strong gravitational fields, though the mathematical and numerical study of these motions is still in its infancy. It is believed that General Relativity models our cosmos, with a manifold of dimensions possibly greater than four and debatable topology opening a vast field of investigation for mathematicians and physicists alike.Remarkable conjectures have been proposed, many results have been obtained but many fundamental questions remain open. In this monograph, aimed at researchers in mathematics and physics, the author overviews the basic ideas in General Relativity, introduces the necessary mathematics and discusses some of the key open questions in the field. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Best Review of Constraints in General Relativity
Okay, this book has positive and negative aspects to it.

First the negative aspects. There are typos, which should be expected for such a huge book's first edition. Some are severe, others are not (e.g. when showing a rank-2 tensor is symmetric, it writes $X_{ab}=X_{ab}$ instead of $X_{ab}=X_{ba}$). These are the only negatives that come to mind.

The positives are that this is probably the most (if not *the*) authoritative reference on constraints in general relativity. It covers York's conformally formulated constraints, and Moncrief's contributions as well. This is done in a scholarly manner, so one can refer to the original sources, and in a self-contained cohesive manner (so you don't have to refer to the original sources). It is really quite beautifully written.

It may be a bit intimidating for the uninitiated working with constraints. I cannot help but apologize to the neophytes, I know no good introduction to the canonical formulation of gravity (except perhaps Poisson's book "The Relativist's Toolkit"). I cannot really deem this either a good or bad introduction, I was using the book as a reference.

There are exercises, however, so if the reader performs all the exercises...she will be far more astute when it comes to the computations and theory behind esoteric topics in general relativity.

But wait, there's more! This book covers black holes (in a rather mathematical way, so all of your favorite singularity theorems are here presented with proofs in a cohesive and beautifully well written manner).

My two cents is to refer to this book when working on canonical formulations of gravity; I am currently in a reading group on black hole thermodynamics, and this book is my first recommendation to other students in the group. ... Read more

Product Description
Exceptionally clear and accessible, Pat McKeague's best-selling books offer all the review, drill, and practice users need to develop solid mathematical proficiency and confidence. McKeague's attention to detail, exceptional writing style, and organization of mathematical concepts make teaching enjoyable and learning accessible. Building on his reputation for student-friendly content and supportive pedagogy, McKeague reaffirms his presence as a leader in developmental mathematics with the introduction of this new paperback title. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Basic College Mathematics
The book is in excellent condition but is the wrong edition(I needed 7th) and it is a instructors version (need student version). ... Read more

Product Description
Authoritative and reliable, this superb reference contains more than 3,000 alphabetically arranged entries, providing clear jargon-free definitions of even the most technical mathematical terms. Ranging widely from Achilles paradox to zero matrix, the dictionary uses graphs, diagrams, and charts to render definitions as comprehensible as possible, offering an ideal introduction to subjects such linear algebra, optimization, nonlinear equations, and differential equations. The Dictionary covers both pure and applied mathematics as well as statistics, and there are entries on major mathematicians and on mathematics of more general interest, such as fractals, game theory, and chaos. The volume also contains valuable appendices of useful and relevant extra information, including lists of Nobel Prize winners and Fields medalists and lists of formulae. Fully revised and updated, this edition features many entry-level web links, which are accessible and continually updated via the Dictionary of Mathematics companion website, making the book indispensable for students and teachers of mathematics and for anyone encountering mathematics in the workplace. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A good source for succinct definitions of many core terms and concepts, but limited in scope.
This dictionary is nicely suited for its purpose, i.e., a relatively compact presentation of core terms and concepts. Although this edition is approximately 150 pages longer than the previous edition, its still relatively compact when compared to full size mathematics dictionaries. While not as comprehensive as larger volumes (e.g., the excellent but older Mathematics Dictionary by James and James), this dictionary often provides more concise definitions then its cohorts.

Its smaller size means its often quicker to find the terms you want here than in a larger dictionary, and its also a plus if you travel frequently, as it more easily fits into a carry bag or computer case. Its primary weakness is its lack of more comprehensive coverage, occasionally, lacking definitions of even some basic terms.

Having more than one mathematics dictionary can provide different perspectives. Thus, although this cannot be recommended as the 'one' mathematics dictionary to own, it can be recommended for use with other dictionaries as a good alternate source for concise definitions.

A Nice to Have Dictionary
From the preface of the dictionary: "This dictionary is...a reference book that gives reliable definitions...of mathematical terms. The level is such that it will suit...college students and first year university students...The concepts and terminology...in pure and applied mathematics and statistics courses...are covered. There are also entries on mathematicians of the past...appendices...gives useful tables for ready reference." This dictionary is not only a dictionary but also a handy reference book on table of areas and volumes, derivatives, integrals, series, trigonometric formulas, symbols, and Greek letters. Even though Internet provides a convenience mean to access the information, it is prudent to have a dictionary of mathematics for cross reference.

Really, really useful
I picked this book up in graduate school and I have found it to be extremely useful.For example, I used this book not only to gain an understanding of what is meant by "rate of change."But also to understand its usage value in describing various mathematical concepts such as deratives or given quantity x in relation to another quantity y.

Really good math writing has a quality of aesthetic perfection that suggests and perhaps rests on a deep physical understanding.In the hands of amatuer or crazed scholars, math writing can stray far from such perfection and into one of two realms: either a boring only-need-know-more-than-the-student teachy-type one or else one of pointless logical competition.Whoever makes the briefest, most accurate statement wins! (Similar to a computer language competition where whoever packs the most instructions into one line of code as judged by an utimately incestuous group of peers wins!) Thankfully, this book is in the former category; it touches upon aesthetic perfection.

To me, it's the survival value that it provides.In the sense of usefulness, this book is quite good, quite easy to use.I've had it for 10 years and I quite like it.My understanding of mathematical vocabulary has increased leaps and bounds since buying it.

And I would probably give the 3rd edition 5 stars if I had it.

concise oxford dictionary of mathematics
This is a Great revision of this book. I am very pleased to see the improvements over the last version, especially the graphics. Thanks!

There's a better one
I find this reference book a little disappointing. While not a bad book, it's not comprehensive enough and explanations are (in many cases) too concise. If you don't already know the meaning of the term you're looking up, chances are you won't understand it after reading the item. I also purchased the Harper Collins Dictionary of Mathematics, and here are the good news - it's much better than the Oxford. Much more comprehensive and more readable. It's not perfect either, but if you're going to have only one of these, I recommend the Harper Collins. ... Read more

Product Description
This book gives readers a comprehensive look at the most important concepts in the mathematics taught in grades 9-12.Real numbers, functions, congruence, similarity, area and volume, trigonometry and more.For high school mathematics teachers, mathematics supervisors, mathematics coordinators, mathematicians, and users of the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project materials for grades 7-12 who want a comprehensive reference book to use throughout their careers or anyone who wants a better understanding of mathematics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

good source
This is a good resource book. However, I think it would be a good idea to learn from other countries that are more successful in math education. Students from Singapore, Korea, China, Russia, and Hungary all are better than our students ON AVERAGE!!! Generally, of course!! For example, the Russian have many books that are available for those who do not have access to great teachers. Books are important source for self learning. In the high school mathematics, for example, among many of the books available, I will mention one: --High School Mathematics by Yakovlev, ISBN 5030010114. Over 800 pages comprehensive yet concise and lucid!! Take a look and you will seee. They say nothing more than just taking a student to understand math--itself. THEY DON'T SAY MATH IS FUN AND INTERESTING, WHY, BECAUSE...nonsense...! The joy of math comes from the history, the moment when a great problem is solved, the men and women who struggled with it...

Sui Generis
This book is one of a kind. It affords an integrated perspective of traditional high school mathematics, making explicit the intimate relationships between arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Additionally, it indicates and suggests lines of development that are pursued in undergraduate courses. Both purposes - showing the unity of the subject, and indicating further development - are accomplished by placing traditional high school topics in a broader conceptual and historical perspective.

The book is divided into two parts; the first, titled "Algebra and Analysis with Connections to Geometry", deals with numbers, functions, equations, polynomials, and number systems. The second, titled "Geometry with Connections to Algebra and Analysis", deals with congurence, symmetry, similarity, area annd volume, axiomatics, and trigonometry.

To give some idea of coverage, the second chapter (on real and complex numbers) discusses irrational numbers, a proof of the irrationality of e, the nested intervals property of the reals, countable and uncountable sets, and the diagonal proof of the uncountability of the reals. The chapter on equations briefly discusses cubic and quartic equations and states the unsolvability of the general quintic; the names of Gauss, Ruffini and Galois are mentioned. The chapter on integers and polynomials discusses induction, recursive definitions, simple diophantine equations and the fundamental theorem of arithmetic. It also indicates the analogies between the integers and the set of polynomials (both are integral domains). The chapter on number system structures discusses modular arithmetic, the Chinese remainder theorem, and gives examples of number fields other than the real and complex number systems (e.g. quadratic fields, and finite fields).

The projects at the end of each chapter extend the material covered in anatural way, and are challenging. To give some stray examples, the coordinatisation of the Riemann sphere, the Cardano-Tartaglia method for solving cubic equations, Fermat's last theorem for n = 4, constructible numbers, and the impossibility of squaring the circle and doubling the cube.

The chapter bibliographies are annotated, up-to-date, and list excellent books for further study.

I have a few criticisms. The first is that surjective functions are not discussed, and in this connection the Schroder-Bernstein theorem does not get mentioned or proved. A second and more serious criticism is the slender coverage of analytic geometry. Only five or six pages are devoted to this. As a consequence, the authors cannot discuss the rich field of algebraic curves in particular, and algebraic geometry in general. There is also no mention of projective transformations (i.e. projective geometry) or continuous transformations (i.e. topology). Finally, there is no mention of Klein's Erlanger program.

These quibbles aside, the book is well-conceived and well-written. It can join Courant and Robbins' "What is Mathematics", and Stillwell's "Mathematics and its History" as a book that gives a bird's eye perspective of (part of) the discipline.

Professors teaching undergrad courses would want this book on their shelves; it shows some of the connections between high school material and the relatively abstract courses taught at college (e.g. Galois theory, group theory, algebraic number theory, and real and complex analysis). Undergrad students might want this book for the same reasons. High school teachers who want a bird's eye perspective of high school mathematics from a sophisticated point of view might also want a copy; suggested lines of development can be used as enrichment topics. ... Read more

Product Description
Shorter College, Rome, GA. Textbook for students and laboratory technologists. Extensive reference information in appendices. Previous edition 1990. Softcover. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Lab Math Applications Book review
I just looked over this book last night.I like it b/c it has every type of mathematics procedure for those that have forgotten to do them.The explanations seem very detail, and there are a lot of examples that seem to explain things a lot better than from the simple explanation of my professor.Although, I would like the font to be a bit bigger which would be nice whose eyes cannot look at small objects.

Laboratory Mathematics - required
This is a required book for the RI Hospital medical technology program.It is the largest hospital in RI and this is an excellent program and they have selected this book - highly recommended by instructors.

Not recomended
This book is horrible in understanding Lab Math.It does help in some areas such as molarity, but the solution dilutions and trying to decipher what they want in the word problems are very difficult.

Best Laboratory Math Book on the Market!!
I am a Math Phobic person and for me this book is practically My Laboratory Math Bible. This book alone helped me, a Math Phobic, to finallyunderstand laboratory math. The Campbell's are truly gifted when it comes to making things understandable to the nonmathematically inclined Labortorian.

This bookhas almost every imaginable formula that you could possibly need in the clinical lab. There's tons of examples and exercises coupled with clear concise explanations throughout. This is the best book on the market for Laboratory Science students and for those who need a brush up on lab math. ... Read more

Product Description
Based on 'General Mathematics: Revision and Practice', this book is designed to help students achieve their best grade in the IGCSE examinations. Its international context aims to help motivate students. Worked examples show students the important techniques. Ten revision exercises provide revision opportunities. ... Read more

Product Description
Traces the story of mathematics from the ancient world to modern times, describing the great discoveries and providing accessible introduction to such topics as number-systems, geometry and algebra, the calculas, the theory of the infinite, statistical reasoning and chaos theory. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Comic book introduction to math
This book offers an outstanding summary of the changing mathematics over many centuries in a few illustrated pages.It is engaging, and presents the main concepts in simple terms that everyone can understand.I have read much on mathematics and its history, but found this book fresh and thought-provoking since you can go through the whole thing fairly quickly.I like its treatment of the social and policy issues related to mathematics, as well as the general neglect of non-European mathematical contributions in math education.Highly recommended.

Underwritten and overdrawn
This Introducing title is definitely a 'story' about mathematics and was a disappointment due to its lack of a general logical structure and its overuse of odd graphics.Sardar and Ravetz took an ethno-centric, historical approach in their presentation of the development of mathematics as a pan-cultural phenomena but lost depth and rigor in the process.Anecdotes about mathematicians were strung together as a means of exposition and development.Van Loon's graphics live up to his billing as a surrealist and collagist.The equations and definitions, strewn throughout the text and graphics, seem more like adornments than the book's nominal topic.Topology is barely mentioned which may indicate the authors' actual depth and breadth in mathematics.On pages 166-170 the authors reveal their agendas regarding ethnicity, gender, and elitism, and a "Euro-centric, Platonic image" of mathematics is identified as the barrier to global progress in this field - an astonishing assertion.Unsurprisingly, they provided no alternatives or solutions to this terrible problem.At best, the topic of mathematics appears to have overwhelmed the authors' abilities to employ the Introducing format.[FYI - I use the Quantum Theory and Fractal Geometry titles in this series as reference points.]

Not one of the stars of the Introducing series.
The Introducing series, employing as it does different illustrators and authors for each of its titles, is definitely hit-and-miss. Although I personally enjoyed this book a good deal, I have to say it counts as one of the misses.

The book focuses a good deal (too much in my opinion) on the personalities of figures from the history of mathematics, and when it finally gets down to the business of explaining difficult concepts from calculus and number theory, it skips around and uses terminology that was never defined in the book, tossing about opaque formulas that aren't explained, and so forth. As it happens, it was exactly that sort of thing that turned me off of math to begin with. It all starts out very interesting and clear enough, until somewhere along the line I feel like the bus is still barreling on down the road, but I've been left along the wayside.

Naturally some of this has to do with my own undeniable ineptitude when it comes to mathematics (part of the reason I picked up this book to begin with). But my main complaint with the book was with the illustrations. For the most part, they're distracting and unhelpful. Relying mostly on puns and including speech bubbles that explain and belabor the pun but don't have any thing to do with the math (the page on cyclic functions is obscured by drawings of people on bicycles, for example). Not only that, but for the most part the drawings themselves aren't original. In reading this book I had the distinct feeling that I'd seen many of the pictures before, and sure enough a quick google search determined that the illustrator has just pasted various royalty-free illustrations and shoddy clipart onto every page.

That said, I did find the book itself worth the read. But I doubt I'll be returning to it again, and it's short enough that I could have just read it in the bookstore and saved myself the money. I wish I had.

One of my favorites
I'm a big fan of the Introducing... series, and to me, this is one of the best.

Ethnomathematica and the universal language of maths as the tool of science
This book doesn't tutor you in mathematics so if that is what you want then go elsewhere now.

If you are looking to learn mathematics without a good cause then I would say that you better have the attention span to learn something absolutely mundane if you don't have a reason for it. A reason to learn mathematics is as vital to grasping mathematics as our brain needing a spinal cord to work. It would be best to begin with a cause to learn it and unfortunately just needing to know it for exams doesn't help matters either. I would suggest therefore that you turn to other books in this series like "Introducing Newton and classical physics" and "Introducing the Universe". "Introducing Quantum Theory" and "Introducing Relativity" are the big two science books that can be understood somewhat rudimentary outside of the developed mathematics to support it. I think trying to understand those topics provides enough motives to complete a full study and application of the language of mathematics. Then this book becomes an engrossing essential.

Mathematics is not hard if learned the correct way. Mathematics is easy if you spend the right amount of time (lifetime really but in a truly applied year you will have advanced dramatically) on it and know what to learn and in what order. Buy a calculator. Read and learn the manual. In the manual you will come across terminology that you would like to comprehend. This book lays it all out for you.

"Introducing Mathematics" explains the historical record for mathematics and its development. By the end of the journey you would have an overview that maps mathematics. Then you should go about learning about each part in other specialized books. The main maths to learn after this one are algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytical mathematics and then the big calculus. Getting to calculus is what it is all about. There are then various laws and rules and applications like statistics after that but the goal here is a slow progressive study of the above maths topics before moving into calculus. This is what it is all about.

Core material:
History of Mathematics culminating in Ethnomathematics is covered in detail
Egyptian, Greek, Chinese, Hebrew, Middle Eastern and European contributions to maths
Counting
Representing numbers as figures
Zero
Special and large numbers
Powers
Logarithms (logs)
Calculation
Equations (linear, quadratic, cubic and degree equations)
Algebra
Simultaneous equations
Measurements, error bars and fridges
Pythagoras
Zeno's paradoxes
Geometry
Binomials
Pascal's triangle, Jain and Vedic and meru-prastara
Trigonometry
Integers
Analytics
Functions
Calculus
Differentiation
Derivatives
Integration
Berkeley
Euler
Non-Euclidean
N-Dimension spaces
Groups and sets
Boolean algebra
Cantor
Godel's theorem
Turning machine
Fractals
Chaos theory
Topology
Number theory
Statistics
P-values and outliners
Probability
Uncertainty principle
Policy numbers

Overall this is exactly the kind of book I wanted to read. A starter book that just covers all the stuff you need to learn for calculus. Some of the topics are explained harshly but study them enough and you will come around to appreciating the time spent for just getting the point the book makes. When it clicks the feeling is great. Enjoy mathematics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

McGraw Hill Mathematics
This book was delivered several days before I expected. I purchased it since my son uses the same book at school. With the cost of these used textbooks on Amazon it saves him the trouble of carrying the books back and forth and and saves the cost of replacing book bags due to wear and damage. Thanks.

Great Math Book!!
I have been looking for a math book that has clear explanations of the work expected.I have been through many!I have finally found what I am looking for.This book is AWESOME!I love the explanations.I love the amount of practice for each newly presented topic.I love the amount of review.This book also has many great tips and test practices.I am so very pleased.My son finally has a book he can learn from.

Great for the 5th grade
I used this book while teaching my child at home.The graphics are helpful and the problems unique.The explanations were thorough.I would highly recommend it. ... Read more